Today was a long, productive, and learning-filled day. We went in early to meet Angelina. It had been over two weeks, so I was really excited to see her and talk to her. It was good--she and Max are really impressed with what we've done. We also discussed some of the issues with our family: the food disconnect and the grandson's discipline, more specifically. She explained some of the cultural food differences to us, and had a few suggestions. For one, we should ask them what they like. We should also keep ingredients for the food they like in our own refrigerator, in case a cooking emergency arises. Things like that. She also told us an easy recipe for chicken the Botswana way. The key will be communication, and probably a schedule and maybe a menu. It's intimidating to communicate, but I should get over that. I also think the balance is a bit in favor of us accommodating them, rather than the flip side of the coin, but it is what it is.
Afterwards, we trekked to the Anne Stein Center (?), a school for disabled children. For an hour, we sat with, played, and read to about 12-15 mentally (and some also physically) disabled children, around ages 4 to 12. It was quite a challenge! They have several staff, but the children are still hard to control. Since their verbal skills are lacking, they often "communicate" with hitting, and there is a lot of stealing with toys and tears. They have a good system of rotating everyone through the bathroom, which was impressive. In several ways, though, they have a way to go. They are a bit rougher with the children than we would be in the US, and many levels of disability and different kinds are mixed together in one room. But it was good that they have a place to go, and people who care about them, and that they live with their parents still instead of being shuffled to institutions.
After that adventure, we were drained and did a little work on the curriculum, but mostly reflected on the adventure. And we started distributing user surveys. Already the trend is that users want computer training and internet access, overwhelmingly.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Today, I went in early. It was very foggy--almost misty. That had never happened before. It was kind of nice.
Ashley and I got some marketing posters and our user survey approved by Max, so we'll start those initiatives. The marketing posters will go either in commercial venues (store bulleting boards, internet cafes, etc), or--we have a targeted one--in clinics and hospitals.
The user survey should enlighten us a bit about current library use and what kind of programs spark folks' interest. We'll see how that goes.
Tomorrow, if transport can be arranged, we are going with some of the staff to a kind of daycare center for disabled kids. Usually it happens every Wednesday, but they've had a few weeks off to do Special Olympics activities of some sort. We'll go and play with learning-centered toys. I hope we get to go!
After dinner last night, the kgosi was chatting a bit with us. He was remarking that, when he finished high school, there were no universities or colleges in Botswana. And in school, they used to use empty soda bottles as test tubes for science class. That struck home--they're very, very behind the US, but they've also come a long way.
Ah, and besides posters and surveys, Ashley and I put together a display for Sir Seretse Khama day. He was the first president, and there's a national holiday Thursday. We put up books about Botswana, novels by Batswana, and Setswana language materials.
In interesting news--a shout-out here to Louise--there's a case in the news about a chief who's beating his constituents too much. Chiefs here can do that with men, as discipline, but this guy was going a little hog-wild, and now he's on trial. Well, guess who's his new defense attorney? Unity Dow! Look her up on Amazon if you don't know her.
Tomorrow Angelina's finally visiting us. Phew! It's easier to talk about things in person rather than over the phone. I hope we have time not in Max's presence...
Ashley and I got some marketing posters and our user survey approved by Max, so we'll start those initiatives. The marketing posters will go either in commercial venues (store bulleting boards, internet cafes, etc), or--we have a targeted one--in clinics and hospitals.
The user survey should enlighten us a bit about current library use and what kind of programs spark folks' interest. We'll see how that goes.
Tomorrow, if transport can be arranged, we are going with some of the staff to a kind of daycare center for disabled kids. Usually it happens every Wednesday, but they've had a few weeks off to do Special Olympics activities of some sort. We'll go and play with learning-centered toys. I hope we get to go!
After dinner last night, the kgosi was chatting a bit with us. He was remarking that, when he finished high school, there were no universities or colleges in Botswana. And in school, they used to use empty soda bottles as test tubes for science class. That struck home--they're very, very behind the US, but they've also come a long way.
Ah, and besides posters and surveys, Ashley and I put together a display for Sir Seretse Khama day. He was the first president, and there's a national holiday Thursday. We put up books about Botswana, novels by Batswana, and Setswana language materials.
In interesting news--a shout-out here to Louise--there's a case in the news about a chief who's beating his constituents too much. Chiefs here can do that with men, as discipline, but this guy was going a little hog-wild, and now he's on trial. Well, guess who's his new defense attorney? Unity Dow! Look her up on Amazon if you don't know her.
Tomorrow Angelina's finally visiting us. Phew! It's easier to talk about things in person rather than over the phone. I hope we have time not in Max's presence...
Monday, June 28, 2010
VRR trip
This morning, after a snafu with transportation, we were off to visit our first village reading room. We had to miss the meeting with the kgosi (I didn't know we were having one and didn't wear a skirt, so we weren't allowed in), and so we sat in the truck and...well...sat for over an hour. Max is trying to convince the kgosi to give the reading room a bigger space, with its own plot and electricity. I can see why--the reading room is in a little house in a residential neighborhood, with very very little shelf and chair space. And, as I said, no power. One woman is the only staff for the place, which she expressed as a burden, but there's truly not much work to be done.
Transport. Ah, transport. For some reason, Max cannot drive himself on official business. He must use a driver. And that means, with me and Ashley, we must reserve a double cab to travel anywhere. I don't understand, but ah well.
Family life is a definite challenge--there are cultural disconnects galore, around food and what's considered polite vs. rude. Angelina didn't come as planned last week--we need to talk to her this week. I hope she can make time!
We also found out that Max has only the equivalent of an associates degree--here it's called a diploma. He's hoping to go back to school for his bachelors.
Transport. Ah, transport. For some reason, Max cannot drive himself on official business. He must use a driver. And that means, with me and Ashley, we must reserve a double cab to travel anywhere. I don't understand, but ah well.
Family life is a definite challenge--there are cultural disconnects galore, around food and what's considered polite vs. rude. Angelina didn't come as planned last week--we need to talk to her this week. I hope she can make time!
We also found out that Max has only the equivalent of an associates degree--here it's called a diploma. He's hoping to go back to school for his bachelors.
Friday, June 25, 2010
By popular request
By request, some basic information (and apologies that it's text--the internet cafe computers don't recognize my camera):
What is your private dwelling like? How many rooms? Size? Furnishings? Beds? Walls? Windows? Kitchen, etc.
Our little house is made of cinder blocks coated in concrete, like most of the modern dwellings here. The alternative is huts with thatched roofs. The key to our place looks like an old fashioned skeleton key. All the rooms are painted the same color. You walk into the great room, with a living room and dining area. The fridge is in the dining area. To the right are our two bedrooms. Ashley is in the "kids" room, with a big bed but kiddish decorations. I'm in the "master" bedroom. The bathroom has everything you would expect, but no hot water and we have to flush the toilet with a bucket. In the kitchen, the stove/oven doesn't work, so we use a combination small oven/hot plate contraption. The fridge is in the dining area. We have beds, dressers, three couches, and a round dining table with chairs. There are few decorations on the walls. If you walk out the back door, you run into the laundry line and an orange tree.
What is the family's dwelling like? Same questions. Do THEY have running water.
What about electricity?
The main house, we haven't seen too much of. They have a separate bathroom/water closet. A living room. A large kitchen with two stoves, one electric, one gas. A dining room, which we've only eaten in once. The TV is always on. We haven't seen the bedrooms or other rooms. The floors, like in our place, are tile or linoleum squares. I haven't noticed any books besides the newspaper, magazines like Cosmo, and the Bible. Their toilets run fine, and they have hot water. We're both in the same boat in terms of intermittent water and electricity shortages.
How far is it to the library?
A 15-20 minute walk.
How big is the library? How many rooms? Walls, tables, chairs?
The main library is a rectangle about 20 feet by 100 feet, maybe, split 2/3 adult, 1/3 child. There is a circulation desk in the middle, and a magnetic gate by the front door. There are a few bean bag chairs in the children's section and two little tables with kid-sized chairs. In the adult section, there are two long rows of wooden tables with chairs and a small lounge area. Except for one large shelf holding the reference and Botswana collections, all the books are on metal shelves on the walls. There are windows near the ceiling. There is an office in back, which the entire staff shares, and a staff bathroom--no TP, no soap, no toilet seat. Out back in a spout coming out of the ground, for water. Out front, there is a worn down trailer. One third houses the HR/administrator's office, one third is for storage, and one third is where the staff sits when it's not too cold.
What is your private dwelling like? How many rooms? Size? Furnishings? Beds? Walls? Windows? Kitchen, etc.
Our little house is made of cinder blocks coated in concrete, like most of the modern dwellings here. The alternative is huts with thatched roofs. The key to our place looks like an old fashioned skeleton key. All the rooms are painted the same color. You walk into the great room, with a living room and dining area. The fridge is in the dining area. To the right are our two bedrooms. Ashley is in the "kids" room, with a big bed but kiddish decorations. I'm in the "master" bedroom. The bathroom has everything you would expect, but no hot water and we have to flush the toilet with a bucket. In the kitchen, the stove/oven doesn't work, so we use a combination small oven/hot plate contraption. The fridge is in the dining area. We have beds, dressers, three couches, and a round dining table with chairs. There are few decorations on the walls. If you walk out the back door, you run into the laundry line and an orange tree.
What is the family's dwelling like? Same questions. Do THEY have running water.
What about electricity?
The main house, we haven't seen too much of. They have a separate bathroom/water closet. A living room. A large kitchen with two stoves, one electric, one gas. A dining room, which we've only eaten in once. The TV is always on. We haven't seen the bedrooms or other rooms. The floors, like in our place, are tile or linoleum squares. I haven't noticed any books besides the newspaper, magazines like Cosmo, and the Bible. Their toilets run fine, and they have hot water. We're both in the same boat in terms of intermittent water and electricity shortages.
How far is it to the library?
A 15-20 minute walk.
How big is the library? How many rooms? Walls, tables, chairs?
The main library is a rectangle about 20 feet by 100 feet, maybe, split 2/3 adult, 1/3 child. There is a circulation desk in the middle, and a magnetic gate by the front door. There are a few bean bag chairs in the children's section and two little tables with kid-sized chairs. In the adult section, there are two long rows of wooden tables with chairs and a small lounge area. Except for one large shelf holding the reference and Botswana collections, all the books are on metal shelves on the walls. There are windows near the ceiling. There is an office in back, which the entire staff shares, and a staff bathroom--no TP, no soap, no toilet seat. Out back in a spout coming out of the ground, for water. Out front, there is a worn down trailer. One third houses the HR/administrator's office, one third is for storage, and one third is where the staff sits when it's not too cold.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
New initiatives
We're starting some new initiatives:
1. We're partnering with two primary schools in a pilot project to offer English language and homework help for 7th graders who are struggling. Time to go over the curriculum and write lessons!
2. I'm beginning to write curriculum and exercises to teach basic computer skills to the public, but first the STAFF. I'm excited to see how it goes over.
3. I started a statistics study, tracking circulation and "pick-ups" related to the new collection and new marketing initiatives we're planning.
It's fun to go out and meet with teachers at schools, even when the meetings are in Setswana.
Slowly!
1. We're partnering with two primary schools in a pilot project to offer English language and homework help for 7th graders who are struggling. Time to go over the curriculum and write lessons!
2. I'm beginning to write curriculum and exercises to teach basic computer skills to the public, but first the STAFF. I'm excited to see how it goes over.
3. I started a statistics study, tracking circulation and "pick-ups" related to the new collection and new marketing initiatives we're planning.
It's fun to go out and meet with teachers at schools, even when the meetings are in Setswana.
Slowly!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Baby steps
Today Ashley and I went to the library separately. I figured I'd go in the beginning, as usual, and Ashley would go later, to see the kids.
When I got there, the books weren't counted or shelved, which is odd. And the staff was all milling on the children's end of the library. Max appeared and began to give a speech of sorts. There was a lot of protest. Most of it was in Setswana, but I heard some English words: public programs, teamwork, going somewhere. I also heard the Setswana word for children, bana.
After it was over, I asked what had gone on, but no one would give me a translation or even a straight answer. The little I got: Max decided all the new books should be shelved. We would make room. And the children's books especially. Some of the protest was because everyone had been trained to leave space on the shelves to "let books breathe," but we're going to cram the shelves a bit for now. Max immediately cleared a huge space for a display of new children's books, which I happily assembled.
I then began to shift books around to make more space where needed and eliminate unnecessary gaps. Then I began to shelve! It felt great.
I also did the statistics today. It was encouraging to see that 3 of the 7 youth checkouts were new books, and 1 of the 4 adult books. They're circulating! One woman even came in to return a new book she had just checked out yesterday, trading it for another new book. There's excitement. It's great.
When Ashley came in, she convinced Max to box the old editions of encyclopedias and to de-dupe the collection, to make more space. We're making headway, for sure.
I'm worried, though, that once this flurry of work is over, we'll return to the doldrums. At least we have some trips tentatively planned: tomorrow and Thursday, Ashley and I will listen in on meetings between Max and local schools, in which he'll offer them outreach programming. And soon we'll do some field trips to what they call village reading rooms, which are teeny tiny "libraries" in rural areas. The travel and meetings should pass the time.
Max also told us that BNLS is holding a competition for branches, with three arms: public programs, reducing overdues, and teamwork. There are some kind of financial incentives. I hope it gets people moving.
Another thing that happened today and that has happened before: since the libraries are incredibly poor, even basic supplies are locked up and must be "issued." For instance, everyone has one pen and must protect it. And Ashley and I each had to sign for a roll of toilet paper.
When I got there, the books weren't counted or shelved, which is odd. And the staff was all milling on the children's end of the library. Max appeared and began to give a speech of sorts. There was a lot of protest. Most of it was in Setswana, but I heard some English words: public programs, teamwork, going somewhere. I also heard the Setswana word for children, bana.
After it was over, I asked what had gone on, but no one would give me a translation or even a straight answer. The little I got: Max decided all the new books should be shelved. We would make room. And the children's books especially. Some of the protest was because everyone had been trained to leave space on the shelves to "let books breathe," but we're going to cram the shelves a bit for now. Max immediately cleared a huge space for a display of new children's books, which I happily assembled.
I then began to shift books around to make more space where needed and eliminate unnecessary gaps. Then I began to shelve! It felt great.
I also did the statistics today. It was encouraging to see that 3 of the 7 youth checkouts were new books, and 1 of the 4 adult books. They're circulating! One woman even came in to return a new book she had just checked out yesterday, trading it for another new book. There's excitement. It's great.
When Ashley came in, she convinced Max to box the old editions of encyclopedias and to de-dupe the collection, to make more space. We're making headway, for sure.
I'm worried, though, that once this flurry of work is over, we'll return to the doldrums. At least we have some trips tentatively planned: tomorrow and Thursday, Ashley and I will listen in on meetings between Max and local schools, in which he'll offer them outreach programming. And soon we'll do some field trips to what they call village reading rooms, which are teeny tiny "libraries" in rural areas. The travel and meetings should pass the time.
Max also told us that BNLS is holding a competition for branches, with three arms: public programs, reducing overdues, and teamwork. There are some kind of financial incentives. I hope it gets people moving.
Another thing that happened today and that has happened before: since the libraries are incredibly poor, even basic supplies are locked up and must be "issued." For instance, everyone has one pen and must protect it. And Ashley and I each had to sign for a roll of toilet paper.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Obstacle course
We spent two weeks on accessions for the hundreds of new books Botswana National Library Service sent us: registering them, making circulation cards, tattle-taping... Finally, by this morning, they are ready. Then I overhear Ashley in conversation with some staff members, over on the other end of the library from where I'm doing some work for Max. It turns out the staff's plan is to box up all the new books and save them for the new library. Note that the library has been under construction for as long as anyone can remember, and the current collection is old, worn, and often irrelevant or even incorrect. It pained us to think these new books would just be boxed away. One of the staff--"L-- agreed with us, and pitched it to the staff, but another woman--"M"-- nixed our plan to make use of our new prizes. L told us to run it by Max.
Well, once he came back from a meeting, Max gave us a victory--he said we should absolutely shelve the books. We cycled the new ones that had been on display for a week to the shelves and created a new display, with a plan to add more new books, in that cycle, weekly. So exciting for us!
We were unprepared for the staff lashback. There was a muffled confrontation, complete with raised voices, in the office. The staff is now mostly not talking to us.
Ashley and I find ourselves in a cultural bind. I understand completely how irritating it must be for the staff to have two white kids come in and redo the library. On the other hand, we really want to help, and the new displays are getting user attention and circulation. I suspect no one on the Botswana side is really clear why we're here or what our intentions are. I plan to start a conversation the best I can about how they feel about our presence and how we can help them. In the end, I have a sneaking suspicion we're largely not welcome. I'm not sure what to do if that's the case.
In fact, Ashley and I discuss our internship obstacles quite a bit. There is the enormous problem of still being in the old building, where we can't hold programs and there are no public computers, for just a start. Then there is the cultural attitude towards interlopers and even the approach to work. Every day, I try to have a positive attitude and take small steps to make things better for users, but I'm not sure we are or can make a difference, or if change is desired.
I would really value some insight, suggestions, or comments of any sort. We're trying over here!
Well, once he came back from a meeting, Max gave us a victory--he said we should absolutely shelve the books. We cycled the new ones that had been on display for a week to the shelves and created a new display, with a plan to add more new books, in that cycle, weekly. So exciting for us!
We were unprepared for the staff lashback. There was a muffled confrontation, complete with raised voices, in the office. The staff is now mostly not talking to us.
Ashley and I find ourselves in a cultural bind. I understand completely how irritating it must be for the staff to have two white kids come in and redo the library. On the other hand, we really want to help, and the new displays are getting user attention and circulation. I suspect no one on the Botswana side is really clear why we're here or what our intentions are. I plan to start a conversation the best I can about how they feel about our presence and how we can help them. In the end, I have a sneaking suspicion we're largely not welcome. I'm not sure what to do if that's the case.
In fact, Ashley and I discuss our internship obstacles quite a bit. There is the enormous problem of still being in the old building, where we can't hold programs and there are no public computers, for just a start. Then there is the cultural attitude towards interlopers and even the approach to work. Every day, I try to have a positive attitude and take small steps to make things better for users, but I'm not sure we are or can make a difference, or if change is desired.
I would really value some insight, suggestions, or comments of any sort. We're trying over here!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Soccer and library marketing
This morning, contrary to expectations, we ended up getting up early again and catching a taxi to the village sports complex, where a soccer tournament was going on. We met up with a Peace Corps Volunteer who works with the District AIDS Campaign. Today she was on duty for the area's Gender Committee, educating folks about domestic violence, which is prevalent and hush hush in Botswana. We handed out fliers and posters and condoms--and information!
All the sponsors got to make a little speech. We hadn't prepared anything, but were grateful to have a chance at the mike for Ashley to talk about the new facility and encourage people to come by. We had one college teacher stop by to express his interest in volunteering, and one man wanted to know what kind of services might be available for his 3-year-old. We also did a bunch of networking with community groups, the police, and the community. A success, and fun, too.
All the sponsors got to make a little speech. We hadn't prepared anything, but were grateful to have a chance at the mike for Ashley to talk about the new facility and encourage people to come by. We had one college teacher stop by to express his interest in volunteering, and one man wanted to know what kind of services might be available for his 3-year-old. We also did a bunch of networking with community groups, the police, and the community. A success, and fun, too.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Day of the African Child
Yesterday we waited to go in to the library. It was the Day of the African Child, and we wanted to be there in the late afternoon for sure--that's when the kids come.
We used up some time doing some projects until the kids started to arrive. We had set up a display of new kids books, and once a few showed up, we also revealed some paper and crayons we had bought the day before, and commenced a coloring and giggling extravaganza. After a break in the chilly outdoors to munch on a biscuit, we read books together, including some silly ones, one about flags, and a picture dictionary in Setswana and English. That one was especially fun, because the kids helped us learn some vocab.
Ashley made a sign that said "ALL STAR LIBRARY KIDS" and they all signed. I'd say it was pretty successful, if small.
We learned how to make pap yesterday, which is a kind of porridge. It's hard, because it gets almost too stiff to stir. It also didn't help that we were cooking by LED lantern during a power outage. But the lights were back up in time to watch the first half of the Bafana Bafana game.
Today we were up early again, and I finished my shelf read project. The pace and amount of work to do is much slower/smaller here, so I'm not sure what to do next.
We used up some time doing some projects until the kids started to arrive. We had set up a display of new kids books, and once a few showed up, we also revealed some paper and crayons we had bought the day before, and commenced a coloring and giggling extravaganza. After a break in the chilly outdoors to munch on a biscuit, we read books together, including some silly ones, one about flags, and a picture dictionary in Setswana and English. That one was especially fun, because the kids helped us learn some vocab.
Ashley made a sign that said "ALL STAR LIBRARY KIDS" and they all signed. I'd say it was pretty successful, if small.
We learned how to make pap yesterday, which is a kind of porridge. It's hard, because it gets almost too stiff to stir. It also didn't help that we were cooking by LED lantern during a power outage. But the lights were back up in time to watch the first half of the Bafana Bafana game.
Today we were up early again, and I finished my shelf read project. The pace and amount of work to do is much slower/smaller here, so I'm not sure what to do next.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
CAPS
It's COLD in Botswana! I only semi believed there would be a winter here. It's amazing how chilly temperatures are magnified with no indoor heat anywhere. So I walked to work this morning, leaning against the brisk wind, in a fleece, hat, and gloves.
Tomorrow is the Day of the African Child. To celebrate them, Ashley and I gathered materials for a display of new Africa-related children's books, made a sign just for kids, and set everything aside to put up in the morning. We plan to buy some cookies (biscuits) and a coloring book and set of crayons and have a snack and coloring session with the kids tomorrow. We'll see how it turns out.
I came with an eye to providing computer training, and I'm definitely doing some. It turns out, though, that we must start with the staff! There are no public access computers, and the staff have very very little experience with computers, so I've been answering questions. For instance, I taught the admin woman that one can create a capital letter using shift instead of toggling CAPS on and off every time, and I showed another staff person how to do a sum in Excel. Baby steps.
One of the perks of my shelf read project is that I'm in a great position for impromptu reference help. Today I helped a fellow find some books on nutrition.
I also saw a disabled user for the first time. He used the back door, which doesn't have the narrow magnetic gate in the way. One of the staff is administering a survey about disabled services in smaller village reading rooms in the area--I look forward to seeing her data.
Tomorrow is the Day of the African Child. To celebrate them, Ashley and I gathered materials for a display of new Africa-related children's books, made a sign just for kids, and set everything aside to put up in the morning. We plan to buy some cookies (biscuits) and a coloring book and set of crayons and have a snack and coloring session with the kids tomorrow. We'll see how it turns out.
I came with an eye to providing computer training, and I'm definitely doing some. It turns out, though, that we must start with the staff! There are no public access computers, and the staff have very very little experience with computers, so I've been answering questions. For instance, I taught the admin woman that one can create a capital letter using shift instead of toggling CAPS on and off every time, and I showed another staff person how to do a sum in Excel. Baby steps.
One of the perks of my shelf read project is that I'm in a great position for impromptu reference help. Today I helped a fellow find some books on nutrition.
I also saw a disabled user for the first time. He used the back door, which doesn't have the narrow magnetic gate in the way. One of the staff is administering a survey about disabled services in smaller village reading rooms in the area--I look forward to seeing her data.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Monday Monday Monday
This morning we showed up early, as usual. The library is having new winter hours, to deal with the cold. We now open at 8 and close an hour earlier--at 5.
Ashley and I are finally starting to work on projects. She made some great informational bookmarks today, and I created a complex arrear form in Excel and began the important and very needed task of doing a shelf read--many things are out of place. Since there's no OPAC, our users depend on browsing to find materials, so it's even more essential that items be in the right place!
I had a telling interaction today that made me change my hopes and expectations quite a bit. The main administrator, who has some power at the library, was in the office, poring over a phone book. I asked if she needed help. She said she was looking for a bank called Botswana Trading Post and couldn't find it. I looked over, and she was on "B-Ba." I explained that "Botswana" starts with "Bo" and she should turn to the page that has that included in the upper corner page guide. We found it right away. She was shocked and amazed. So, the library administrator cannot use a phonebook nor does she understand how alphabetization works. I have no way of knowing the literacy levels of the other staff...
Tomorrow!
Ashley and I are finally starting to work on projects. She made some great informational bookmarks today, and I created a complex arrear form in Excel and began the important and very needed task of doing a shelf read--many things are out of place. Since there's no OPAC, our users depend on browsing to find materials, so it's even more essential that items be in the right place!
I had a telling interaction today that made me change my hopes and expectations quite a bit. The main administrator, who has some power at the library, was in the office, poring over a phone book. I asked if she needed help. She said she was looking for a bank called Botswana Trading Post and couldn't find it. I looked over, and she was on "B-Ba." I explained that "Botswana" starts with "Bo" and she should turn to the page that has that included in the upper corner page guide. We found it right away. She was shocked and amazed. So, the library administrator cannot use a phonebook nor does she understand how alphabetization works. I have no way of knowing the literacy levels of the other staff...
Tomorrow!
Friday, June 11, 2010
No rains down in Africa to bless
Yesterday Ashley, Ahti (sp?) and I piled into Kgosi's truck with him (I accidentally sat on a large hunting rifle...) and headed out of town to one of the family farms. Best experience so far in Africa. They have 50 hectares there, with maize, cabbage, peppers, rabe, spinach, onions, bananas, etc. in one section, a small selection of those for household use in another section, the beginnings of an orange and mango orchard in another section, and finally the livestock--one rabbit, plus many ducks, chickens, guinea foul, goats, and sheep. The cattle are at a different farm. We met the farm manager. Charity is from Zimbabwe and has a degree in agriculture. She was great--showed us everything and even quoted Chinua Achebe. The other workers were busy making porridge in an iron kettle like a witch's, over an open fire. Ahti, the kgosi's grandson, showed us the hiding place of a mama dog and her new, feeding puppies. As the sun set, it hit me--I'm in Africa!
We drove home sleepily in the dark, as the English news murmured about Mugabe and Mandela. We ate well, and I crashed.
This morning we were at work at 7.30 as usual, and helped to reshelve. Then back to the inventory project. It'll be good to get the accessions done so we can make us of all those new books, and especially concentrate on projects and interactions. We did have our first reference interaction today--a young man who's taking a certification course in hospitality and wanted some books on tourism in Botswana. That was fun. While we sit and work, we think of more ideas for little projects, so that's good.
It was cloudy and windy for the first time this morning, and we were cold! Nothing is heated indoors here, and the temperature can easily be in the 40s F at night. We need to remember to bring tea and cups so we can partake of the boiled water always available at work.
We knocked off at 12.30 for the weekend, our 24 hours being more than used up. I'm aching to watch the World Cup!
We drove home sleepily in the dark, as the English news murmured about Mugabe and Mandela. We ate well, and I crashed.
This morning we were at work at 7.30 as usual, and helped to reshelve. Then back to the inventory project. It'll be good to get the accessions done so we can make us of all those new books, and especially concentrate on projects and interactions. We did have our first reference interaction today--a young man who's taking a certification course in hospitality and wanted some books on tourism in Botswana. That was fun. While we sit and work, we think of more ideas for little projects, so that's good.
It was cloudy and windy for the first time this morning, and we were cold! Nothing is heated indoors here, and the temperature can easily be in the 40s F at night. We need to remember to bring tea and cups so we can partake of the boiled water always available at work.
We knocked off at 12.30 for the weekend, our 24 hours being more than used up. I'm aching to watch the World Cup!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Almost Friday...
No internet time yesterday--we were working! Got there at 7.30 and learned how to do statistics: sorting books left out on the tables by class, then reshelving, then counting those and new clients and overdues, etc. We also worked on filling out accessions registers: each new book must be recorded in a big ledger. That is the only inventory--there is no catalog, let alone an OPAC. To find a book, users have to know the class numbers and just browse from there.
At some point, Max let us know we would go to the museum to see an art exhibition. Kind of to show the library's face at a local event. We learned a little about the history of the tribe and saw some art, including amazing things woven out of plastic bags and formed from papier mache. The tribe is called the bakwema: the people of the crocodile. Our compound wall has paintings of crocodiles on it. We learned that you're not allowed to eat your totem animal, so no crocodile meat for me.
After stopping home for lunch, we worked some more on the accession registers. Max was gone, and the staff, who had been eyeing us for some time, finally told us that we were making them look bad by "punishing ourselves." We had run headfirst into the wall of a different cultural concept of work. Just to see what it was like, we sat out in the trailer with the staff and chatted. They do that for most of the day. Absolutely no work. Sometimes there was not even staff in the library at all! It was a learning experience.
This morning we did stats again and typed up our plans before Angelina visited us from UB. She was pleased with what we were planning, and we discussed a couple of issues. Then she dropped us off at the College of Education, where the new batch of Peace Corps Volunteers was being sworn in. The US Ambassador was there, and the big kgosi, and the national coordinator of HIV/AIDS programming. The volunteers are interesting--5 will stay in Moleps and the other 51 will spread all over the country. It will be good to have some contact with other Americans.
Then home for lunch, and the kgosi invited us to see his farm this afternoon, so after 5 hours of work this morning, we're off!
At some point, Max let us know we would go to the museum to see an art exhibition. Kind of to show the library's face at a local event. We learned a little about the history of the tribe and saw some art, including amazing things woven out of plastic bags and formed from papier mache. The tribe is called the bakwema: the people of the crocodile. Our compound wall has paintings of crocodiles on it. We learned that you're not allowed to eat your totem animal, so no crocodile meat for me.
After stopping home for lunch, we worked some more on the accession registers. Max was gone, and the staff, who had been eyeing us for some time, finally told us that we were making them look bad by "punishing ourselves." We had run headfirst into the wall of a different cultural concept of work. Just to see what it was like, we sat out in the trailer with the staff and chatted. They do that for most of the day. Absolutely no work. Sometimes there was not even staff in the library at all! It was a learning experience.
This morning we did stats again and typed up our plans before Angelina visited us from UB. She was pleased with what we were planning, and we discussed a couple of issues. Then she dropped us off at the College of Education, where the new batch of Peace Corps Volunteers was being sworn in. The US Ambassador was there, and the big kgosi, and the national coordinator of HIV/AIDS programming. The volunteers are interesting--5 will stay in Moleps and the other 51 will spread all over the country. It will be good to have some contact with other Americans.
Then home for lunch, and the kgosi invited us to see his farm this afternoon, so after 5 hours of work this morning, we're off!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
We stopped by the library at 1.30 today to meet Max. He wasn't ready until 2, so we poked around. Starting at 2, we sorted new books into class number ranges to be entered manually into a huge register. Then I sat and read with the patrons to get a feel for how they work. We also got our own library memberships. We each get two tiny envelopes, one each for a book, so two books at a time. When we check out a book, we take a little pink card out of the book and into our envelope, which goes into a circulation shoebox. Then we stamp the book with a date 14 days out. Then it's ours! Apparently they have tremendous trouble with overdue books...
Sample new books: the Communist Manifesto, one of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, juvenile books about alcoholism, and some romance novels.
Still no running water. It came on for a bit last night at about 2.30 AM. Thankfully the running toilet woke me up and I was able to flush the toilet with a bucket and refill a bucket. But this morning, had to wash my face from a bucket, with a pitcher I found.
Also still no refrigerator.
It's a challenge here! Such a huge learning experience, and makes me realize all that I take for granted in the US.
Sample new books: the Communist Manifesto, one of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books, juvenile books about alcoholism, and some romance novels.
Still no running water. It came on for a bit last night at about 2.30 AM. Thankfully the running toilet woke me up and I was able to flush the toilet with a bucket and refill a bucket. But this morning, had to wash my face from a bucket, with a pitcher I found.
Also still no refrigerator.
It's a challenge here! Such a huge learning experience, and makes me realize all that I take for granted in the US.
Monday, June 7, 2010
On site
After a "restful" weekend, we all shipped out to our sites this morning. It was sad to leave the University of Botswana, which was starting to feel a bit like home. Cara went of to Mmangkodi, and Ashley and I went to Molepolole. After dropping off our things at the chief's place and meeting his wife, our new "mother," we headed off to the library. The library is a bit of a walk from our house, and you have to cross bits of concrete across concrete waste waterways to walk in. Our boss wasn't in, so we passed a little time applying for library cards and reading intro to Setswana books before some boxes of new books arrived. The head clerk, Margaret, showed us how to check off the books on the shipping slip--using carbon paper!-- and then how to write the borrowing cards. Yes, nothing is computerized, so they use borrowing cards at the back of the book, just like when I was a child.
Max showed up and we had a little chat about the framework the interns used last year and what kind of things we could do this year. As far as I can see, things are pretty well set up, but at a standstill until the new building is ready. We're going to have to be creative to devise some helpful projects.
The library culture is very different from in the US. It is absolutely quiet. Even the staff whispers, and rarely at that. Max told us they've tried to have children's programs, but any bit of noise makes the adults really mad, and they'll walk out. So now he's forced to try to do a bit of children's programming by going to the schools. There are no programs for youth (age 12-29) or adults at all. But there are certainly a lot of ideas in the works. Max seems to have thought of everything--there's a plethora of plans and proposals in his files, all written up, and he even has a newsletter, brochures, and friends of the library up and running.
After a few hours at the library, he told us we should come back tomorrow afternoon and we walked back to the khosi's compound. We found out that our stove and refrigerator do not work, so Mma Khosi brought us some lunch, which was delicious and I was very grateful. Tonight I guess someone will bring dinner, too. Also, the whole city has been without water for 2 days, so a man came with several buckets of water to fill the toilet tank, provide us with a place to wash up, and some boiled water to drink.
An adjustment!
Thanks for all the comments. Keep 'em coming.
Max showed up and we had a little chat about the framework the interns used last year and what kind of things we could do this year. As far as I can see, things are pretty well set up, but at a standstill until the new building is ready. We're going to have to be creative to devise some helpful projects.
The library culture is very different from in the US. It is absolutely quiet. Even the staff whispers, and rarely at that. Max told us they've tried to have children's programs, but any bit of noise makes the adults really mad, and they'll walk out. So now he's forced to try to do a bit of children's programming by going to the schools. There are no programs for youth (age 12-29) or adults at all. But there are certainly a lot of ideas in the works. Max seems to have thought of everything--there's a plethora of plans and proposals in his files, all written up, and he even has a newsletter, brochures, and friends of the library up and running.
After a few hours at the library, he told us we should come back tomorrow afternoon and we walked back to the khosi's compound. We found out that our stove and refrigerator do not work, so Mma Khosi brought us some lunch, which was delicious and I was very grateful. Tonight I guess someone will bring dinner, too. Also, the whole city has been without water for 2 days, so a man came with several buckets of water to fill the toilet tank, provide us with a place to wash up, and some boiled water to drink.
An adjustment!
Thanks for all the comments. Keep 'em coming.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Here safe
Hi all,
I'm safe here in Botswana. One of the UB professors has given me the extra key to her office so I can use her computer. Yay!
This culture shock thing is no joke, it turns out. Nothing here is familiar, and I'm definitely having some trouble sleeping and eating. I hope it gets better soon.
We are staying in the graduate student housing. We each have a little room, and share a kitchen, bathroom, and living room with a total of six women (3 of us from Wisconsin). One of the other women is from Uganda, one from...hm.... and the last is from Botswana but never seems to be around. Everyone is very nice.
This morning we met the dean of the library and information studies program and the dean above him. Then we met in a conference room and had delicious snacks while getting some orientation on health, safety, and the like from Profs. Mnjama and Totolo, another professor, the head of international programs, and two student workers from the international office. It was good to have a lot of questions answered.
I also found out that I will be staying in the compound of the chief of Molepolole. I will have my own small apartment, and he is even having a refrigerator installed for me! The city will look to me as another of his children, effectively, so I have to watch my behavior carefully--no young men stopping by at night, and absolutely skirts in the chief's city hall type lodge. Everyone agreed that pants and sneakers should be just fine at work, though. I feel fortunate to have been placed there, also because there are grocery stores "with variety" and such in Molepolole, so I won't need to commute to Gaborone for my basic shopping. I was also expecting that the bus ride would be 2 hours from Moleps to Gabs, but it should be only 1.
Send me your calm energy, and I will post again when I have an opportunity.
I'm safe here in Botswana. One of the UB professors has given me the extra key to her office so I can use her computer. Yay!
This culture shock thing is no joke, it turns out. Nothing here is familiar, and I'm definitely having some trouble sleeping and eating. I hope it gets better soon.
We are staying in the graduate student housing. We each have a little room, and share a kitchen, bathroom, and living room with a total of six women (3 of us from Wisconsin). One of the other women is from Uganda, one from...hm.... and the last is from Botswana but never seems to be around. Everyone is very nice.
This morning we met the dean of the library and information studies program and the dean above him. Then we met in a conference room and had delicious snacks while getting some orientation on health, safety, and the like from Profs. Mnjama and Totolo, another professor, the head of international programs, and two student workers from the international office. It was good to have a lot of questions answered.
I also found out that I will be staying in the compound of the chief of Molepolole. I will have my own small apartment, and he is even having a refrigerator installed for me! The city will look to me as another of his children, effectively, so I have to watch my behavior carefully--no young men stopping by at night, and absolutely skirts in the chief's city hall type lodge. Everyone agreed that pants and sneakers should be just fine at work, though. I feel fortunate to have been placed there, also because there are grocery stores "with variety" and such in Molepolole, so I won't need to commute to Gaborone for my basic shopping. I was also expecting that the bus ride would be 2 hours from Moleps to Gabs, but it should be only 1.
Send me your calm energy, and I will post again when I have an opportunity.
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